Many people are frightened by the prospect of type 2 diabetes given all the risks that it comes with which include regular finger pricks for tests, and a host of complications for diseases like kidney and liver damage, and a higher risk of having stroke or heart disease. Preventing type 2 diabetes is then essential and recent studies have shown that vitamin D can help in that regard. The researchers already knew that vitamin D can help with insulin sensitivity and pancrease beta cells function so they wanted to find out the link between vitamin D and blood glucose levels. 680 women between the ages of 35 and 74 were experimented upon and they were given vitamin D supplementation and exposure to sunlight. They found a negative association between vitamin D and blood glucose level meaning that vitamin D, especially being exposed to sunlight, reduced the levels of glucose in the blood. They also found that vitamin D deficiency was associated with a high level of glucose in the blood. This present study was found to correlate with other studies between vitamin D presence in the body and glucose levels.

Key Takeaways:

• Having type 2 diabetes is a frightening prospect because the condition entails a lot of complications like regular finger pricks for tests.
• Since they already know that vitamin D can help one with insulin sensitivity and the function of pancreatic beta cells, the researchers wanted to find out the link.
• 680 women were studied and they found that those who had high levels of vitamin D due to sunlight and supplementation had lower levels of blood glucose.

"Specifically, those who had high levels of vitamin D enjoyed a 55 percent lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes, a 51 percent lower change of metabolic syndrome, and a 33 percent lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-11-vitamin-d-lowers-your-risk-of-type-2-diabetes.html

Terminalia arjuna has been studied closely by researchers from India and New Zealand. Commonly known as the arjun tree, this plant was used on chevon sausages to test the properties of preservation. The study suggest that the it produced significantly lower values for total plate count, psychrophilic count, yeast and mold count, and free fatty acid values. The results showed an improved lipid oxidative stability and storage quality while refrigerated, thus suggesting that the arjun tree can be a novel natural meat preservative.

Key Takeaways:

• Chevon sausages were used as a model in the research and the researchers used various sorts of Terminalia arjuna extracts some in 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 percent.
• When the extracts were examined under refrigerated conditions, they looked at the effects on lipid oxidative stability and storage quality parameters.
• There were lower values in total that were noted during the study for total plate count, psychrophilic count, counts of yeast and mold, and free fatty acid values.

"Researchers from India and New Zealand explore the potential of Terminalia arjuna as a novel natural preservative in meat products."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-09-study-identifies-a-natural-preservative-in-the-arjun-tree.html

When one has cancer and learns that the type he has is treatable, it is a huge relief until they go through the treatment regimen. Thanks to ginseng, there could now be an easier way to treat cancer. Ginseng targets the stem cells that are responsible for causing cancer, or the tumor stem cells. Ginseng is particularly recommended because chemotherapy and radiotherapy have their drawbacks. They can make regular cancer cells that are not active to turn to cancerous cells and thereby increase the risk. It is only recently that it was discovered that a compound in ginseng, ginsenosides, can be used to treat cancer although the herb has been used for treating humans for centuries. It is believed that given its many effects on cancer, ginseng will most likely be recommended by doctors for use to treat cancer. Ginseng can also help cancer patients in other ways. It was discovered that patients who were sluggish and fatigued after treatment were helped to feel better by ginseng. Even if one is not diagnosed with cancer, he can still benefit from ginseng because it has so many health benefits.

Key Takeaways:

• When people learn that they have cancer, they are usually relieved to learn that the type they have is treatable but astonished at the treatment.
• Ginseng is good and effective for cancer because research has shown it to target tumor stem cells which are responsible for causing cancer.
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy sometimes make regular cells, like the regular breast cells, to turn into cancerous breast cancer cells and this makes them ineffective.

"While you’re certain to be thankful for your life, it’s only natural to wish there was an easier way – and perhaps there could be one soon, thanks to ginseng."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-09-ginseng-a-natural-remedy-for-cancer.html

Nutritional yeast, with the scientific name Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is sometimes called nooch and is made from beet molasses and sugar cane. This yeast uses sugar for energy in its yeast cells and are believed to help improve digestion. It is rich in nutrients and B vitamins like vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6 and can also give a rich, nutty, and savory flavor to food; that is why vegans and vegetarians use it often. Even non-vegans can use it for its high nutritional content. It is noted that only fortified nutritional yeast contains the added B vitamins since unfortified yeast contains the vitamins that were produced by the yeast itself but one can buy both the fortified and unfortified varieties and blend them together. It is naturally low in sodium and calories. It is also free of fat, free of gluten, free of sugar and as I said before, vegan. Properly stored it can last for up to two years in the home. Some of the health benefits of nutritional yeast are that it boosts immunity, improves digestion, is a vegan source of vitamin B12 and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

Key Takeaways:

• Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins, contains fiber and protein along with many minerals such as zinc and iron.
• Unfortified yeast doesn't have any added vitamins but fortified yeast contains synthetic vitamins.
• Nutritional yeast boosts your immune system, improves digestion, lowers blood pressure and promotes healthy hair, nails and skin.

"Vegans and vegetarians use nutritional yeast because it is rich in nutrients and B vitamins, but you can also add it to your diet if you are looking for a natural ingredient with a cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-04-used-in-moderation-nutritional-yeast-can-boost-immunity-and-improve-digestion.html

The elevated levels of insulin found in many people with obesity can elevate their risk of breast cancer, but new studies show that omega-3 free fatty acids can help mitigate this risk. Too much insulin can increase Akt and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, but omega-3s can help to reduce this effect. Likewise, omega-3 free fatty acids were able to cut down proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The research sheds some light onto why omega-3s appear to reduce the risk of breast cancer, although more research is needed.

Key Takeaways:

• While having a high insulin level is considered a significant factor in one having breast cancer while obese, omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• The researcher wanted to explore whether omega-3 free fatty acids (FFA) do regulate the signaling pathway of insulin in order to prevent breast cancer.
• According to the findings it is suggested that omega-3 free fatty acids (FFA) reduce the proliferation of breast cancer cells mediated by insulin and insulin activated phosphorylation.

"Researchers found a link between consumption of omega-3s and reduced breast cancer risk by lowering insulin levels. The study, which was published in Nutrition Research, tested the ability of omega-3 free fatty acids (FFAs) to reduce insulin-induced breast cancer cell proliferation."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-26-omega-3-can-reduce-high-insulin-levels-breast-cancer.html

According to a recent Belgian study, vitamin K protects the arteries that supply the ocular organs with blood and acts as a shield against damaging calcification. The researchers found that vitamin K is beneficial for eye health in that it protects the optic nerves from possible optic damage due to glaucoma. The researchers were trying to determine if there was a link to vitamin K deficiency and poor eye health. This study points to a need for more research into the molecular pathways affected by vitamin and the benefits of vitamin K supplementation.

Key Takeaways:

• A new health benefit for Vitamin K has been observed by Belgian researchers and they report that the vitamin protects the eyes from human calcification.
• The study spanned the course of 11 years and it involved the participation of 1,000 flemish adults who were randomly selected and were in their 40s.
• Vitamin K levels and the levels of active Matrix Gla proteins (MGP) were evaluated. The MGP proteins were responsible for preventing calcification to take place in the arteries.

"Based on their findings, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) researchers observed that taking vitamin K supplements could help maintain the health of the eyes by protecting the optic nerves from injury caused by glaucoma."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-28-new-research-on-vitamin-k-eye-health.html

Historically used in ancient Chinese medicine, astragalus extract has a plethora of benefits, including the ability to regrow nerves. This specific benefit was verified by a study conducted in Taiwan, where researchers administered the extract to lab rats in hopes of finding out how well in aided in cell regeneration. The results proved that just three grams of astragalus extract per day can help promote neuronal electrophysiological function, which is directly related to the regeneration of cells.

Key Takeaways:

• The nervous system which plays an important role in the way the parts of our body communicate with themselves can be helped to do so efficiently by astragalus.
• When studies were done on astragalus extract, earlier research has shown that the herb can be used as a potential nerve growth-promoting factor.
• When nerve pain occurs it is either due to damage to the nervous system or a problem with the nervous system and is described as a sharp, burning pain.

"These results, which were published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, indicate that astragalus is beneficial for the nerves and inflammation."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-26-why-astragalus-is-good-for-your-nervous-system.html

Astragalus is known in Chinese medicine because it has been used by the Chinese for centuries as a medicinal herb. Recent researchers have backed up the healing claims of the plant. In a new study that was done in China, Chinese researchers have discovered that polysaccharide extracts from astragalus can be effective against pulmonary arterial hypertension. To carry out the study they fed rats with monocrotaline in order to induce pulmonary arterial hypertension in them. Then they gave the rats 200 milligrams per kilogram of astragalus polysaccharides once in every two days for a period of two weeks. The results were positive. It was found that the polysaccharides of astragalus reduced the hypertension of the pulmonary artery induced by monocrotaline in rats. There were other benefits that were discovered. The treatment with the polysaccharide of astragalus also eliminated oxidative stress, promoted vasodilation, and reduced inflammation in the rats. All these suggest that astragalus lowers the blood pressure in individuals. The findings of the study were then published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine with the authors stating that astragalus can be used to eliminate symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension in individuals.

Key Takeaways:

• Astragalus is also known as huang qi and it has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years while its beneficial effects has been backed up by research.
• In a new study that was published by Chinese researchers, it was found that the polysaccharides in astragalus can be used to help patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• In the study the researchers administered monocrotaline in rats in order to induce pulmonary arterial hypertension and then administered astragalus polysaccharides to them for two weeks.

"In China, astragalus is one of the herbs commonly prescribed to help with diabetes management. Research has also shown that the active compounds in astragalus may help in reducing blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Lab trials have shown that it improves metabolism, reduce blood sugar levels, and aid in weight loss."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-17-astragalus-improves-symptoms-of-pulmonary-arterial-hypertension.html

Even CBD can help reduce hypertension.

Scientific literature on how marijuana works on the body is rapidly expanding. Right now, there are a plethora of studies on how marijuana works on the human brain. Some studies have shown that it can be effective in treating disorders of the brain like epilepsy. Recent tests show that marijuana can increase the risk of dementia because it restricts the flow of blood to the brain. These brain areas are essential for memory development. The area most affected is the hippocampus which can result in Alzheimer’s if prolonged. The researchers for the study used single photo emission computed tomography (SPECT) to measure blood flow to the brain after taking marijuana and they reported that there were very low and abnormal blood flow levels observed. This is when compared with persons who did not take marijuana. 982 patients were selected from a wide variety of data sources that was available to the researchers concerning persons who previously used or were still using marijuana. The results of the study showed that persons taking marijuana were at a risk of dementia due to the low blood flow to their hippocampus.

Key Takeaways:

• The author notes that the studies regarding the effect of marijuana is increasing and this is particularly so regarding its effect on the brain.
• Some recent tests show that it can increase the risk of dementia when marijuana is taken because it reduces the blood flow to the brain.
• When the researchers used single photon emission computer tomography to analyze blood flow to the brain they observed abnormally low flow to the brain with users of marijuana.

"Users were analyzed using a brain SPECT and by conducting mental concentration tests against a sample of 100 people who had not used marijuana to determine whether there were significant differences that arose between users and non-users of cannabis."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-19-marijuana-lowers-blood-flow-to-the-brain-may-be-useful-for-epileptics.html

The culinary world loves mushrooms because they have rich flavors but yet they are packed with high amount of nutrition and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. But new findings show that mushrooms can even provide much more. They have been shown to help in brain health. The research highlighted in this blog shows that when people eat mushrooms they have reduced risk of a mild cognitive impairment that precedes Alzheimer’s disease. The study was conducted in the National University of Singapore and used 600 human subjects who were given various types of mushrooms such as dried mushrooms, white button mushrooms, and golden mushrooms. The researchers found at the end of the study that participants who had consumed mushrooms had reduced cognitive decline especially if they take two or more servings of mushrooms each week as seniors. Other benefits of mushrooms beyond brain health are that it helps prevent cancer, improves the immune function, reduces weight, and is a healthy source of vitamin D.

Key Takeaways:

• Although mushrooms are loved by those who cook for their rich flavor, it goes beyond that because it is also a nutritional powerhouse.
• New research shows that mushrooms can boost brain health because it has been understood that eating mushrooms reduces risk of mild cognitive impairment.
• The study was conducted at the National University of Singapore using about 600 people who were given different types of mushrooms to consume.

"Beyond the new findings that show mushrooms may boost brain health and lower the risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, mushrooms offer other significant health benefits, too."

Read more: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/mushrooms-brain-health-2936.html

A new study called the Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Prevention of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation, also known as OPERA, is calling into question the conventional wisdom that patients who use omega-3 supplements right before surgery are at a higher risk of internal bleeding as a result. The study involved over 1,500 heart surgery patients, and found that those with the highest omega-3 levels in their blood were actually at a lower risk of bleeding. While the exact cause of this is not well understood, it does suggest that more research is needed.

Key Takeaways:

• Although fish oil are very popular natural supplements that are good for heart health, in cases of surgey, they might cause blood thinning which is dangerous.
• A new study has shown that the belief that taking fish oil before surgery is wrong is absolutely erroneous but that it reduces the risk of bleeding.
• The study that discovered this new finding involved a large group of 1,516 persons who were divided into one group taking omega-3 supplements and another taking placebo.

"The exact mechanism behind this effect is still not well understood, but Harris suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity of omega-3s might be contributing to this."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-28-omega-3s-reduced-risk-of-bleeding-in-surgery.html

Aloe vera can be used for plenty of skin conditions, but new evidence suggests it could be used for blood infections, because of the metabolites in the plant. A Chinese and Japanese study looked at this using mice, and found that aloe metabolites suppressed inflammation, due to reduced nitric oxide level. This is important because sepsis harms the body's own tissues and organs, and can be fatal. Aloe also has other uses, such as skin care, warding off cancer, treating digestive issues, and lowering blood sugar levels.

Key Takeaways:

• Sepsis though not too common should be seen as a serious condition because it can lead to death or organ failure if the condition is not immediately treated.
• A team of researchers from China and Japan sought out natural treatment for this disease and found out that aloe vera plant metabolites could be helpful.
• The trials were conducted in both the laboratory and in animals and the team sought to find out how aloe vera metabolites has anti-inflammatory effects against sepsis.

"After using various tests to determine inflammation, the Chinese and Japanese research team found that aloe metabolites suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Aloe metabolites also decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-17-can-aloe-vera-be-used-to-treat-sepsis.html

A new study has found that adding fermented shiitake mushroom to rice bran is effective in inhibiting the growth of Salmonella typhimurium. The study was conducted on mouse organs and it was published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This formulation has been hailed as a new antimicrobial food-compatible formulation. The study was conducted on murine macrophage cells and in mice. Before this, it was known that the bioactive compounds in rice brans and in shiitake mushrooms have a lot of potential health benefits in mice, cells, and rodents. When the mycelia cells were compared against non-fermented ones, it was found that the bioactive compounds present in the fermented shiitake mushrooms could not be found in the ones that had not fermented. Further findings showed that the pathogen, Salmonella, was inhibited in infected macrophage cells and in organs in the mouse such as the cecum, mesenteric lymph node, spleen, and the liver. Another finding was that there was increased secretion of the bacteria in the feces in mouse. Overall, this findings show that fermented shiitake mushrooms with rice brans can be used as an antibiotic and antimicrobial food.

Key Takeaways:

• To carry out the study a team of researchers from Korea and the US tried to understand the effect of shiitake mushroom with rice bran on macrophage cells.
• The component produced in rice plants are bioactive rice brans and hulls while that produced by mushrooms are bioactive polysaccharides and other compounds.
• When mushroom mycelia that was fermenting with rice bran cells were inspected it was found that they have bioactive compounds that are absent in the non-fermenting mycelia.

"A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that a formulation of fermented shiitake mushroom with added rice bran can inhibit the growth of Salmonella typhimurium in infected mouse organs."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-16-shiitake-mushrooms-are-a-powerful-medicinal-superfood.html

Nobody wants to think about losing their memories as they begin to age. Luckily, a Chinese medicinal herb called gardenia has been shown to contain components that can help improve cognitive function. Scientists studied mice that were given daily doses of gardenia, and the research revealed that a component called GJ-4 had the ability to help repair cognitive damage, reduce brain inflammation, and even help expand the body's ability to hold antioxidants which help promote brain function.

Key Takeaways:

• Crocin, which is found in gardenia fruit has neuro protective properties
• Crocin has shown in lab tests to help stave off the degenerative disease that effect memory and neuro function
• Gardenia essential oil has anti inflammatory, anti microbial and culinary properties

"In the study, researchers looked at Chinese herbs, which have been used medicinally for thousands of years, as a good source for potential drugs for Alzheimer’s."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-28-gardenia-found-to-prevent-cognitive-impairment-and-neurotoxicity.html

When one gets insufficient nutrients from the diet, taking multivitamins can be a healthy way to improve this. A recent study has shown that men who take multivitamins a lot are less prone to diseases related to the heart such as stroke and even death related to cardiovascular diseases. But how can cardiovascular diseases be prevented using multivitamins? There are few studies in this direction although a lot of studies have been done on the health benefits of multivitamins. That is why a team of researchers in the US embarked on a study of the incidence of multivitamin usage on major cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular death. The study was a long term prospective study. The study was conducted between 1982 and 1995 using 18,530 healthy men that were aged from 40 years and above who the researchers followed. The participants reported their lifestyle habits and as well as their intake of certain foods. Throughout the follow up study, there were only 1,697 reported cases of cardiovascular diseases. This made the researchers to conclude that taking multivitamins means a reduced risk to cardiovascular diseases. It is then appropriate for one to choose the right kind of supplements to improve the diet.

Key Takeaways:

• When one suspects that he is not getting the full nutrients that his body needs on a daily basis, taking quality multivitamins is necessary.
• According to a recent study that was done on multivitamins, men who have taken them for a long time have lower risks of stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
• Many persons know of the important role of multivitamins in improving and maintaining health, but little research has been done on its role on cardiovascular disease.

"In conducting the study, the research team followed 18,530 healthy men aged 40 years old or over from 1982 to 1995. The participants were initially enrolled from the Physicians’ Health Study I cohort"

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-16-multivitamins-keep-heart-disease-at-bay.html

Chemotherapy which is often shortened to chemo is the use of drugs to eliminate and reduce cancer cells. Because of its systemic effects and ability to kill cancer cells despite the site they are found, it has been widely used in conventional medicine and oncology to fight cancer. But the treatment is not without risks since it can include long term damage to sensitive organs in the body like the lungs, heart, and kidneys. A recent study that was published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine took a look at the effect of chemotherapy on the kidneys. They studied the effectiveness of safflower seeds against the side effects of cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug used against cancer. They used animal models and compared the effect on damages to the kidneys. Cisplatin is not only used to treat cancer, it is used to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. It has some side effects which include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, dry skin, and hiccups. It is advisable that pregnant women and breastfeeding women not take it because it can harm the baby. When safflower seeds effect were studied, there were remarkable results discovered leading to the conclusion that safflower seeds were effective in reducing the effects of renal damage caused by cisplatin.

Key Takeaways:

• Chemotherapy has a long history and it is often shortened to chemo. It involves the use of drugs in order to kill or remove cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy is used in oncology and conventional medicine as the primary treatment against cancer because of its systemic effects and its ability to be quick in destroying cancer cells.
• A study that was published in a Chinese journal looked at the side effects of chemotherapy treatment on the kidneys and ways to reduce the damage.

"The treatment, despite being touted as “effective against many forms of cancer,” isn’t without risk, which can include both acute and long-term damage to organs like the lungs, heart, nerves, and kidneys."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-17-reduce-the-effects-of-chemotherapy-with-safflower-seeds.html

Many persons drink tea for relaxation, stress relief, and to get a caffeine fix but little do they know that drinking tea can help to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Some researchers in both America and China who worked together have found that drinking tea can lead to DNA damage in the cells of breast cancer. Since this tea can be used to prevent also the progression of a tumor, it is hoped that one day they can be a non-toxic means to prevent the growth of breast cancer. In the USA alone, about 250,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and about 41,000 are expected to die from the disease. Although there are improvements in the screening for breast cancer, and in treatment, it is noted that more needs to be done to help women. The researchers discovered that tea has long been used in medicinal treatment in China for centuries and reckoned that black tea is used more often than green tea and oolong tea. And although the benefits of green tea in treating cancer has long been known, the use of oolong tea for cancer is not known, so the researchers sought out this tea in their experiment. Using patients from Fujian, China, where oolong tea is grown mainly, they found out that there was a lower incidence of cancer among people who take oolong tea.

Key Takeaways:

• Many persons drink tea so that it can help them relax or to get their fix of caffeine but they do not know that it can inhibit breast cancer.
• The lead author on oolong tea and breast cancer observed how it caused morphology alteration and DNA damage in the cells of breast cancer.
• Over 250,000 women in the USA alone were diagnosed with breast cancer in the year 2018 and it is estimated that 41,000 will die from it.

"Like black and green teas, oolong tea contains several vitamins, minerals, and helpful antioxidants."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-11-oolong-tea-inhibits-the-growth-and-progression-of-breast-cancer-cells.html

The many health benefits of the ashwagandha root is well known to ayurvedic medicine. It is only recently that conventional medicine is becoming aware of this due to the increase in the number of published articles on the effectiveness of ashwagandha root. It is known that the ashwagandha root is a good adaptogen and it is prolific for combating stress, for giving support to the adrenal system, and also for help in balancing the hormones in the body. It can also serve as an exceptional herb for aiding sleep. This effect on the body is due to the richness of alkaloids including sioinidosides that can be found in ashwagandha root which makes it serve as a mild sedative for natural anxiety relief. A recent study in which 64 human subjects were used and half were given a placebo while the other half ashwagandha root extracts gave impressive results in showing that ashwagandha root extracts is effective for boosting resistance to stressors and can help adults suffering from chronic stress. Furthermore, there is no side effect with taking ashwagandha roots even if one is not feeling stress.

Key Takeaways:

• As research continues to support the successful use of ashwagandha for healing especially in ayurvedic medicine, it is expected that conventional doctors will begin to embrace it.
• In a clinical trial that involved 64 human subjects, half were given a placebo while the other half were given ashwagandha for 60 days with impressive results.
• Ashwagandha has been confirmed to be one of the natural healing remedies for stress relief, and it also supports the adrenal system and balances hormones.

"This study further propels holistic medicine’s reach into the mainstream by confirming that ashwagandha root extract boosts resistance to stressors and can be safely utilized as an adaptogen for adults suffering from chronic stress issues."

Read more: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/ashwagandha-root-anxiety-2908.html

A recent study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that some properties of the Reishi Mushroom can fight obesity. The study was conducted by a Chinese research team at Hunan Agricultural University. It involved feeding mice high fat diets and then studying how the compounds of the mushrooms combated the weight gain over the course of a 12 week research project. The mushrooms exhibited helpful properties at both dosage levels that were tested.

Key Takeaways:

• It has been found in a study that is published in the Journal of Medicinal Food that extracts of reishi mushroom has antioxidant properties that work against obesity.
• The researchers were from China and they wanted to find out the effects of reishi mushroom polysaccharides on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in mice.
• The treatment with reishi mushroom polysaccharide induced apoptosis, substantially decreased the liver and heart, and reduced the small intestine oxidative stress in the mice.

"In mice, treatment with reishi mushroom polysaccharides, in both doses, significantly reduced the body weight increases caused by the feeding with a high-fat diet."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-27-reishi-mushroom-hypolipidemic-antioxidant-antiapoptotic.html

Kava kava was found to alleviate anxiety symptoms by a study done at Gran Valley State University in Michigan. The study reported that it was safe if used for less than eight weeks. This medicine can be found in the Pacific and helps the many people suffering phobias and major depressive disorders. Approximately one in fourteen people suffer from some anxiety. The medicine was found to be harmful to the liver, and even toxic if taken longer than eight weeks. It was also found to be more effective for females and younger people. Longer term studies will be done to determine overall safety. In the meantime, other treatments include using skullcap, Valerian root, passion flower and Ashwagandha.

Key Takeaways:

• Kava kava is used widely in the pacific to alleviate anxiety and a new study from Grand Valley state University in Michigan has confirmed its effectiveness.
• In the US about 40 million adults are said to suffer from anxiety disorder and the specific issues range from major depressive disorders to phobias.
• 11 articles that met the inclusion criteria for kava kava to be effective against anxiety were used in the study by the Michigan researchers.

"A lot of people suffer from anxiety. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in 14 people around the world has an anxiety disorder, making it one of the most common mental disorders."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-13-kava-kava-can-alleviate-anxiety.html

Aged garlic may be remarkably effective at protecting you from heart disease, the number one killer of Americans over the last eight decades. Aged garlic extract can help protect your arteries from low-attenuation (or “soft”) plaque, even if you work in a high-stress field. Aged garlic can also help counter and neutralize the effects of C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin, both associated with the inflammation linked to cardiac disease. Aged garlic can also help prevent harmful blood clots, and may also moderate your blood pressure.

Key Takeaways:

• It is estimated that heart disease has maintained it role as the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States for 80 years.
• There are a lot of studies on garlic, about 900, that show that garlic can be used as a natural treatment for heart disease.
• A study that involved 55 participants that were between the ages 40 to 75 was used to discover that aged garlic reduced the amount of soft plaque in arteries.

"However, as unlikely as it sounds, an extract from an everyday kitchen staple – garlic – has the potential to drastically cut your odds of becoming a medical statistic."

Read more: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/reverse-heart-disease-2778.html

Spinach, one of the healthiest vegetables available, and it contains a high amount of lutein. The best way to get this lutein is to blend it in a smoothie or add it to a green juice. Because lutein is fat-soluble and stored in the immune cells, the researchers for this study were looking for ways to boost lutein levels in the blood and take advantage of its many health benefits. The research team that came from Sweden used Spinach to understand this process and they processed spinach in various ways, examining various heating and steaming methods to best bolster lutein content in spinach. They found that heating makes spinach to lose its lutein content and the more it is boiled, the more lutein that is lost. They found that the best way to consume spinach to preserve its lutein content is to take it cold. Therefore that is why adding spinach to smoothies is recommended for maximum consumption of lutein in spinach.

Key Takeaways:

• Dark green vegetables contain abundant quantities of lutein and this natural fat-soluble pigment can be used to fight inflammation in immune cells for people with coronary heart disease.
• It has also been found that lutein can be stored in immune cells which means one can have a reserve or store of lutein in the body.
• The research team wanted to find out which method of cooking makes lutein in spinach most available and they fried, steamed, and boiled the spinach for several minutes.

"There are many different ways of preparing spinach, but a recent study suggests that blending it in a smoothie or adding it to your green juice is the best way to maximize its lutein content."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-21-eat-or-drink-your-vegetables-make-smoothies-to-maximize-the-lutein-in-spinach.html

As everyone knows, fiber is an important part of the diet of what we consume. The more whole healthy grains we eat, the better off we are. Fiber first acts like a broom through the body system. It helps to keep our colons and cardiovascular system functioning and debris free. This is critical to avoid events such as colon cancer, heart attacks and strokes. Grains also are a rich source of vitamins and minerals one cannot get from meat of vegetation.

Key Takeaways:

• Research on fiber consumption and risk to non-communicable disease was commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published in the Lancet.
• The researchers carried out the study over a period of 40 years and it included 4,635 adult persons that amounted to 135 million-person years.
• Some of the diseases that were focused on were coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke, as well as the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

"New research adds another benefit of fiber and whole grain consumption: They may lower the risk of non-communicable diseases."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-31-fiber-and-whole-grains-can-help-lower-your-risk-of-disease.html

Because cancer can quickly accelerate the deterioration of a person’s body, some researchers in China wanted to find out how soy-whey protein blend can help patients with leukemia by considering its effects on protein energy absorption and muscle mass. This is because leukemia patients often experience a decrease in muscle mass and severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). Earlier studies have shown that soy-whey protein can promote muscle protein synthesis, so the present researchers wanted to know if it can help leukemia patients before they undergo bone marrow transplant. The patients used in the study were 24 in number and they were divided into two groups. One group took natural diet with soy-whey blended protein (BP) while the second group only took natural diet. From the data it was observed that there was a decrease in protein and energy intake of all the 24 participants. But in the group without the soy-whey diet, there was a significant decrease in muscle-related indicators in half of the patients while 60 percent of the patients who ingested the soy-whey blend protein had muscle mass increase in the arm area.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers in China who investigated the effects of leukemia on patients wanted to know how ingesting soy-whey protein can blend in with protein-energy absorption and muscle mass.
• The researchers used about 24 patients to test their hypothesis that soy-whey protein can aid leukemia patients and they also used a natural diet only (ND) group.
• From all the patients about 68 percent who ingested the soy-whey protein before transplantation showed increased improvements in the arm muscle area.

"In the ND group without the BP intervention, the researchers observed a significant reduction in muscle-related indicators (i.e., anthropometric variables, muscle strength and serum protein) in more than 50 percent of the patients."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-02-blended-protein-improves-energy-malnutrition-muscle-mass-leukemia-patients.html

Recent research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition indicates that taking your protein supplement before working out can help increase your body’s fat oxidation. In a study of 11 college-aged males who took either whey or casein protein supplements prior to moderate exercise, it was found that both post-exercise fat oxidation and post-exercise energy consumption improved. Casein has more of an impact in this study than whey. This strongly suggests you should take your protein supplement before exercising.

Key Takeaways:

• It has been shown that the timing of when proteins are taken really matters as researchers have realized that taking protein supplements before workout improves post-workout burn.
• 11 healthy, recreationally active college males were recruited for the study and they did not take any caffeine 30 days before the study.
• The proteins that the participants took were 25 g of whey protein isolate, 35 g of casein protein, and 25 g of food additive maltodextrin.

"Published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, the study looked at the effect of taking protein supplements before exercise on fat oxidation and energy expenditure during and after a bout of moderate-intensity exercise. Previous research has shown that pre-exercise protein consumption may promote fat oxidation, at the same time, minimize protein degradation during exercise."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-26-protein-supplements-before-gym-improve-post-workout-burn.html

A team from the University California, Davis recently completed a study to see what impact turmeric-containing herbal supplements have on sebum production or transepidermal water loss, and to compare this with the effects of pure turmeric supplements. The 28 volunteers who completed the full test took the turmeric-containing herbal supplement, a supplement with only turmeric, or a placebo for four weeks. While none of the treatments impacted sebum production of the skin, the turmeric-containing supplement did reduce transepidermal water loss, which suggests that it improves the skin’s barrier function.

Key Takeaways:

• 30 individuals were used in this study and they were given either a placebo, a turmeric supplement, or a herbal supplement that contained turmeric.
• At the beginning and the end of the study which required the participants to take supplements twice a day, the researchers evaluated facial sebum and transepidermal water loss.
• It was found that intervention supplements did not result in any side effects but herbal supplements containing turmeric had no effect on facial sebum.

"A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food reported that turmeric-containing herbal supplements can be used to improve skin barrier function."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-29-comparing-the-effects-of-turmeric-and-turmeric-containing-herbal-tablets-on-skin-barrier-function.html

It has been found in a study that supplementing with beta-alanine can increase muscle carnosine and relieve fatigue. The study was published in the journal Nutrition Research and the team looked at the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on performance, L-histidine, and muscle carnosine in both women and men. This confirms earlier studies that supplementing with beta-alanine increases muscle carnosine, therefore improving the capacity of the muscles to buffer during intense exercise. The research team emphasized their comparison on the differences between women and men, and recruited 26 men and women who were given a placebo or beta-alanine for 28 days. It was shown that beta-alanine really increased muscle carnosine but the differences between men and women were unclear.

Key Takeaways:

• The University of Central Florida researchers have made a study and in the study they suggested that supplementing with beta-alanine can relieve fatigue.
• The focus of the study that was published in the journal Nutrition Research was whether supplementing with beta-alanine has an effect on performance, muscle carnosine, and L-histidine.
• Studies that were done earlier before this one has shown that supplementation with beta-alanine increases the intramuscular carnosine content and improves buffering capacity in intense exercises.

"The findings of the study suggested that supplementing with beta-alanine for 28 days can increase muscle carnosine and relieve fatigue in men and women, but did not reduce muscle L-histidine."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-19-beta-alanine-relieves-fatigue-increases-muscle-carnosine.html

L-theanine is an amino acid that scientists have recently found can decrease overall stress levels, as well as the heart rate, which can be beneficial for many individuals. Because l-theanine suppresses the sympathetic nervous system, it can have a positive affect on those faced with anxiety or stressful situations. Researchers have also found that l-theanine can decrease a person's immunoglobulin levels, which is helpful in supporting the immune system. L-theanine can also be used to control high blood pressure and to support good quality sleep.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers from Columbia University Irving Medical center stress the fact that stress is harmful to the body because it can increase the risk of certain health conditions.
• The researchers stressed that stress management is important in every person’s life and this can be achieved by positive diet and lifestyle changes.
• In a study where participants were given L-theanine, the researchers discovered that L-theanine helped reduce both stress levels and heart rate in those participants.

"During the course of the study, researchers increased the stress levels of 12 volunteers by instructing them to solve a mentally stressful task in four double-blind trials."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-13-l-theanine-can-combat-stress-reduce-your-heart-rate.html

A team of researchers from the Middle East have found that a species of hawthorn, Crete hawthorn, has the ability to lower elevated levels of glucose in the blood. They have published their findings in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Along with its effects on blood glucose, called its anti-hyperglycemic property, it also has hyperlipidemic properties, that is, the ability to protect the body against high levels of fat such as cholesterol in the blood. They carried out the study using mice that were induced with hyperglycemia through feeding them alloxan. The mice were then divided into two groups, one group receiving Crete hawthorn extracts and the other given a chemical for control. They also used another animal model to understand its hyperlipidemic properties and to investigate whether the plant had antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The results of the findings were that Crete hawthorn had important antioxidant properties due to its containing phenols and flavonoids. They also found that it had antimicrobial properties because it acted against bacteria such as E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus, among others.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers in the Middle East have discovered that a species of hawthorn, scientific name Crataegus azarolus, can be used to lower elevated levels of glucose in the body.
• The researchers did not only concentrate on the plant’s anti-hyperglycemic properties, but also on its ability to protect the body against levels of fat that were high.
• The researchers duing their study found that Crete hawthorn had very high antioxidant properties, especially the ethanol extract from the leaf.

"The mice were then divided into groups, with some receiving an ethanol extract from Crete hawthorn leaves while others were given glibenclamide for positive control."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-12-hawthorn-controls-high-blood-sugar-levels.html

Cranberries are nutritious and full of antioxidants, which help the bodies that consume the cranberries to deal with oxidative stress. In fact, cranberries have been respected and used as a natural part of nature's pharmacy for centuries. For example, their use has been well-documented as part of the history of many Native American tribes. One aspect of cranberry's benefits long documented, both in anecdotal history and by scientific data is cranberry's special ability when it comes to dealing with urinary tract health. Urinary infections are a common and debilitating condition. Data now proves what our Native American forebears knew from experience, that compounds intrinsic to cranberries can help.prevent and heal a urinary tract infection. We now know that the compounds in cranberries succeed at this by creating conditions in the bladder which make it impossible for bacteria to adhere to the walls of the organ. Not only is the use of cranberries as a specific for treating bladder ailments safe, it prevents the overuse of antibiotics. As a preventative measure, cranberries can be taken in as a sauce, a drink or a supplement.

Key Takeaways:

• Traditionally, cranberries were often used in Native American medicine to cure various ailments and injuries.
• The proanthocyanidins in cranberries prevent bacteria in the urinary tract system from increasing their numbers.
• The antioxidants in cranberries can boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.

"Their study showed that polyphenols stopped bacteria from attaching themselves to the walls of the urinary tract."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-11-cranberries-excellent-way-to-boost-your-health.html

Fiber is very important to our heart and digestive health. Recent New Zealand research showed that people with low fiber diets had significantly higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer than people who get plenty of it from whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Separately, American research indicates that a high fiber diet may enhance the growth of beneficial strains of gut bacteria while helping to fight inflammation. This is important because chronic inflammation is a key component of most chronic health conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Having a lot of fiber in the diet was one of the first things kids were taught along with drinking a lot of water and taking lots of vegetables.
• Having a lot of fiber in the diet is good for the body because it is vital for healthy digestion and colon health.
• Our mothers were right. Recent research has shown that having a lot of fiber in the diet can be associated with longevity.

"A report shows that curcumin helps the body manage inflammation and anti-ageing (known as inflammaging) and Ascencao says the powerful turmeric extract, Bio-Curcumin, has shown to help deliver significant amounts of bio-active curcumin into the body, assisting this process."

Read more: https://www.longevitylive.com/health-living/lifestyle-tips/high-fiber-diet-improve-longevity/

According to a South Korean study published in Phytotherapy Research, red ginseng can be an effective treatment for acne in place of traditional medications with potential negative side effects. In fact, red ginseng performed as good or better than benzoyl peroxide in terms of its effectiveness against fighting acne. Specifically, redness symptoms were significantly reduced with the use of red ginseng. The study concluded that the participants acne improved because of panaxynol and panaxydol, the active ingredients in red ginseng.

Key Takeaways:

• Red ginseng with the scientific name Panax ginseng has been found by some South Korean researchers to be effective against acne.
• In the study which the researchers published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, they compared the antimicrobial activity of ginseng and identified its active ingredients.
• Acne is a condition that is caused by chronic inflammation of the skin due to the growth of bacteria in hair follicles.

"They recruited 20 participants and treated them with cream that contains 3 milligrams per gram (mg/g) of red ginseng ethanol extract for four weeks."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-12-red-ginseng-is-a-natural-cure-for-acne.html

The journal Nutrients has recently published a study showing 500 mg of the supplement ashwagandha when taken over the course of twelve weeks enhances upper and lower body strength thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anabolic, and antioxidant effects. The study took place with a sample size of 38 active men, which were split into an ashwagandha group and a placebo group. Those taking the ashwagandha had improvements in both squat and bench press, while experiencing less muscle soreness after workouts.

Key Takeaways:

• Current studies, regarding the natural supplement Ashwagandha, build on earlier ones, revealing the root to possess, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anabolic properties.
• To test the premise that the root aids physical endurance, experts found 38 adult, male, human subjects, all of whom were known to be recreationally active.
• Recruited subjects received either the herb, or a rice flour placebo, and were closely monitored regularly during observed exercise routines.

"Carried out by researchers from the Center for Applied Health Sciences and Lindenwood University, the study looked at the effects of aqueous extract of the roots and leaves of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on strength training performance – which includes muscle strength, body composition, muscle endurance, power, and recovery."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-05-ashwagandha-could-be-your-next-workout-supplement.html

Cirrhosis and liver cancer are common diseases that can be easily prevented. There are many ways to reduce the chance of developing these diseases over the course of a lifetime, such as moderate physical activity. Resistance training in particular can help to alleviate symptoms and reduce the likelihood of developing these diseases because it can lower fat levels. Exercise can also lower cholesterol and help manage weight. To sum, healthy lifestyle choices and changes can reduce the risk of cancer associated with the liver and cirrhosis, which will ultimately lead to a positive and healthy life.

Key Takeaways:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is estimated to affect about thirty percent of Americans which translates to about a hundred million Americans.
• Recent research from the University of Liverpool, UK, has shown that physical exercise, particularly resistance training, can reduce the risk of having liver cancer.
• The liver is an important organ in the body that is involved in a lot of detoxification and it was shown that exercising was more beneficial for obese people.

"At the end of the study period, both liver fat and cholesterol levels were significantly lower."

Read more: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/fatty-liver-disease-solutions-2916.html

Okra is a popular vegetable found in both African and Asian foods. Okra is used in both soups and stews because of its ability to thicken those meals. Okra is also a great source of fiber, antioxidants, folic acid, calcium, and also vitamins B and C. The antioxidants found in okra can fight off free radicals, which increase the chances to get cancer. The fiber in okra can help maintain a healthy digestive system and can also protect your heart.

Key Takeaways:

• Okra is a vegetable that is high in fiber and is often used as a thickener in stews and soups.
• High in vitamins B and C, okra has strong anti-cancer properties due to its high anti-oxidant content.
• Okra contains the protein collagen, which can give the skin a more supple and youthful appearance.

"The antioxidants found in okra can fight off free radicals and thus reduce the risk of cancer. In fact, lectins (a form of protein) taken from the vegetable were found to have lowered the growth of breast cancer cells by over 50% (1)."

Read more: https://www.longevitylive.com/nutrition-body/healthy-eating/okra-health-benefits/

Despite some of the negative press that the nut group receives overall, there is some significant proof that incorporating nuts, specifically walnuts into your diet can have positive effects. From assisting with cancer prevention, boosting your mood, weight loss assistance and even strengthen your bones, the benefits could outweigh your negative mindset. Also be aware that the method in which you prepare your walnuts could also change the properties of the un-roasted nut structure. Remaining natural with your nut selection is usually best.

Key Takeaways:

• One of the widely grown and consumed nuts due to their health benefits are walnuts. They have bioactive compounds such as polyunsaturated fats, polyphenols, and dietary fiber.
• While walnuts are popularly eaten raw or roasted, it has long been assumed that heat treatment may change them but a study reveals that this is not the case.
• The study focused on whether roasted walnuts still have their anticancer properties and they tested both raw and roasted walnuts to in vitro digestion and fermentation.

"These results, which were published in the journal Nutrition Research, indicated that walnuts reduce the risk of colon cancer by inducing expression of genes involved in detoxification and by causing growth inhibition and apoptosis in colon adenoma cells."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-14-go-nuts-with-the-cancer-protective-properties-of-walnuts.html

According to a recent Harvard University study, the optimal diet for men who want to maintain strong cognitive health consists of eating leafy green vegetables, berries, orange and red vegetables, and orange juice. Researcher Changzheng Yuan studied 28,000 men over the course of 20 years, tracking their dietary habits and periodically testing their cognitive skills. The group that consumed the most vegetables, about six servings per day, performed better on thinking skills tests than the group that ate half that. There was also a positive association found between eating fruits and overall brain health.

Key Takeaways:

• One study, centering on cognition, set out to track nearly 3000 men for two decades.
• All the study participants were human adult, male professionals in the health field.
• Every participant was questioned about specific food usage upon their entry and at four year intervals thereafter.

"Yuan noted that participants who ate all these fruits and vegetables at the start of the study – 20 years ago – enjoyed better cognitive and memory skills."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-05-a-diet-plan-for-a-better-memory.html

Many of us are aware of fiber being an important nutrient, but what about prebiotic fibers? These are essential when it comes to cleansing the colon and regulating the metabolism, as well as digestion. A study showed that mice who were living on a high-fat diet without the presence of prebiotics showed to have troublesome symptoms such as a slower metabolic rate and less weight loss. This is in comparison to the mice who were given the replica of a high fat diet with prebiotic fibers present.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cell Host & Microbe Journal published a piece lauding the addition of prebiotic fiber to an otherwise high fat diet.
• Researchers found that such an addition proved to be a way to potentially avoid or lessen the effects of metabolic syndrome.
• Researchers gave rodents on an otherwise high fat diet, inulin, a fermentable fiber supplement, to monitor the effects.

"People consistently overlook the importance of eating healthy foods, especially fibers which are known to cleanse the colon."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-07-prebiotic-fiber-breaks-down-a-high-fat-diet.html

It is common knowledge that omega-3s can promote heart health, but now studies are showing that they can also help children who are suffering from behavioral disorders. A study was published within the Journal of Dietary Supplements that showed kids aged six to twelve showed great improvement in regards to their overall health status and quality of life when they were given doses of omega-3s on a regular basis. The study evaluated exactly 942 children, so the findings are quite consistent.

Key Takeaways:

• Although Omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their health benefits on the heart, a recent study has shown that it gives good results on mental health.
• When Omega-3 fatty acids was used on children with behavioral disorders, it was found that it helped improve their mental health and quality of life.
• 942 children in Spain with behavioral disorders were used for the study and they were given omega-3 fatty acids for a three month period.

"To evaluate the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, the researchers used the Kidscreen-10 and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ). The SDQ examines 25 positive and negative attributes, which are divided among five scales: emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity or inattention, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-17-omega-3-benefits-children-with-behavioral-disorders.html

While we don't what causes Alzheimer's disease, new research from Arizona State University points to choline as a promising treatment for the condition. When mice consumed large amounts of choline, they showed positive improvements in spatial memory. Furthermore, these positive benefits were evident in their offspring, even though they did not supplement directly with choline. Researchers believe that choline helps to control brain inflammation and neuron death, processes that both contribute to Alzheimer's. Experts recommend that adults take 550 milligrams of choline daily for optimal brain health

Key Takeaways:

• Although modern medicine has made advancement in several areas, there are some conditions that it is still trying to control without success and one of them is Alzheimer’s.
• Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, recent research from the Arizona State University shows that choline has some promise.
• Mice who were bred to exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s were used in the research and promising results were obtained when these mice were fed high amount of choline.

"In other words, choline could help protect against this illness across several generations. It was the first time researchers have been able to show the transgenerational benefits of choline supplementation."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-11-choline-a-natural-treatment-for-alzheimers-disease.html

There is a protective enzyme within pomegranate that is known scientifically as paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and it has the ability to block oxidative stress that promote DNA mutations. These DNA mutations are often what lead to a cancer diagnosis. More research determined that not only does pomegranate help block gene mutations, but it can also stop the replication cycle of cancer cells in which they grow at alarming rates. Not only can it help disrupt this cycle, but it can also kill some cells altogether.

Key Takeaways:

• The US centers of disease control states that the incidence of cancer is expected to go up by about 24 percent in men and 21 percent in women.
• There is now the need for more novel and more proactive methods of treating cancer, based on the grim statistics, and pomegranate is one of those promises.
• Pomegranate benefits does not lie only in the fact that it contains antioxidant polyphenols for combating oxidative stress but also has multiple actions against cancer cells.

"In one study, a cup of day of pomegranate juice lowered inflammatory markers – such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 – in diabetic patients."

Read more: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/pomegranate-cancer-cells-2628.html

We're constantly met with over-the-counter supplements loaded with chemicals and preservatives that promote claims of being able to shrink your waistline, but what if there were more natural options? Consuming ginseng helps regulate your blood sugar levels, as well as boost your metabolism. Garlic is almost a magical herb in how it is able to help you fight off cravings due to your body being able to sustain levels of fullness for longer periods of time.

Key Takeaways:

• A popular Asian herb, ginseng may help maintain blood sugar levels and aid in dampening food cravings.
• Garlic may also suppress appetite triggers and aid in burning off calories already present.
• Data suggests that the component, carvactrol, found in oregano oil, may aid in weight loss.

"Those 7 days or 1-month weight loss challenges cannot give you a long-term result."

Read more: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/heres-4-magical-herbs-that-can-help-you-lose-weight-faster/articleshow/68283825.cms

Field elm, which is known for its health benefits, is now being touted for helping with blood pressure, gastric ulcers, and liver damage. Researchers in France and Algeria found that field elm acted as an antioxidant which relaxed the coronary artery and protected the stomach from ulcers and the liver from toxins. There are various types of elm, some are good for skin irritations, diarrhea, heartburn, sore throats, or cramps. The trees are known for their strong wood.

Key Takeaways:

• The field elm that is known by its scientific name, Ulmus campestris, has a lot of well known health benefits.
• The journal Phyotherapie published a recent study that showed that the field elm can be used to protect the body from liver damage and gastric ulcer.
• The researchers were a two nation team from Algeria and France, and they looked at the efficacy of field elm bark extracts in treating stomach ulcer, among others.

"The researchers also saw that the extract can protect the stomach from ulcers and protect the liver from toxic substances. In addition, the extract also exhibited a relaxing effect on the coronary artery."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-12-field-elm-bark-protects-against-liver-damage.html

Green tea not only tastes good, but it also has very beneficial health factors. Among these factors includes the fact that it contains catechins, which are polyphenols that are a good barrier to diabetes and stress. These catechins can also help with metabolic syndrome, which is a syndrome that causes people to have higher than normal levels of abdominal fat and a slowed down metabolism. This could potentially lead to lowered rates of obesity when consumed by the public.

Key Takeaways:

• Japanese scientists have recently discovered that a component in green tea, catechins, has the ability to improve metabolic syndrome and reduce abdominal fat in the obese and overweight.
• It is estimated that more than 34 percent of adults in the US suffer from metabolic syndrome and symptoms include abnormal lipid metabolism and abnormal glucose metabolism.
• Diagnosing metabolic syndrome early on is very important otherwise it could lead to conditions such as the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

"In this study, the researchers wanted to determine if catechins were beneficial for reducing abdominal fat and improving metabolic syndrome."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-02-27-catechins-improve-symptoms-of-metabolic-syndrome-in-obese-people.html

Lack of nutrition can end up damaging cells and bring out the worst traits in our genes. A new study found that a maternal high diet in choline can protect the offspring from getting Alzheimer's disease in the future even if the choline levels in the offspring are low. The study was done on mice that were genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's. The body makes choline naturally, but some needs to be consumed in order to receive the amount that is required for healthy cellular functions.

Key Takeaways:

• The nutrients that we take are like instructions to the body that build up our cells and tell them how to operate and communicate.
• The benefits of nutritional instructions to the body is to strengthen our genetics and prevent diseases, while a lack initiates changes in our genes and cause diseases.
• It has been shown from research that nutritional instructions when taken by the mother can be passed on to generations through the genetic code.

"The mice that were born from mothers on choline-rich diets developed fewer disease-associated brain changes. They also exhibited improved memory skills. Even when the descendants didn’t receive choline in their diet, they still enjoyed the benefits of brain protection from their mother’s nutrient-rich diet."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-11-study-following-a-choline-rich-diet-protection-against-alzheimers-disease.html

Gastroesophagael reflux disease (GERD) is a common, vexing and potentially serious condition, but bitter herbs can sometimes help reduce its severity. The “bitters” used by herbalists usually include extracts from a variety of different plants. While plants produce bitter tastes to deter animals (including humans) from eating them, that bitterness can also indicate high concentrations of antioxidants and other compounds with valuable health benefits. Bitters can trigger the digestion-stimulating hormone called gastrin, as well as the release of bile and enzymes that break down protein.

Key Takeaways:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a cause of indigestion and heartburn and affects 15-30 percent of the American population but bitter greens can be used to cure it.
• For a long time ago natural doctors have been using bitters, which is an assortment of extracts from bitter herbs and spices, to treat various diseases.
• Bitter herbs that exist in plants were used by those plants as deterrents to insects from eating them but humans think they are equated with poisonous qualities.

"However, appropriate amounts of edible bitter greens, spices and herbs can provide important health benefits, and should be included in the diet."

Read more: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/bitter-herbs-digestive-system-2779.html